5월 6일 토픽. Unsepeakable Tragedy in Virginia Teck

[william(강연중)]

Unspeakable Tragedy in Virginia Teck                                                 written by William(연중)

In the morning on 16^th of April at Virginia Tech, Korea-born Cho Seung-hui committed the worst shooting rampage in U.S. history. 32 people, both students and faculty, died and many other students were wounded in the tragedy. Since then, almost all of the Korean mass media had covered their front page and opening news with the case. It did not seem like that it was only because the case was the deadliest shooting massacre. In my point of view, the nationality of the gunman played a great role in that phenomenon. In other words, most Koreans does not much care about the very factor of the case, but they are anxious about its possible negative side effects such as Korean students may become the targets of reprisals. And, there are even exaggerated concerns that the tragedy may affect Korea-U.S. relationship.

Such exaggerated Korean’s reactions have been seen and heard throughout Korea. The Korea government held emergency meetings soon after the tragedy and president Roh expressed his condolences twice on the day of shooting. In Seoul, hundreds of Koreans held a candlelight vigil fallowing Saturday for the victims of the slaughter. And, lots of remarks from Koreans in U.S. have been reported reading that some families were considering the option of going back to Korea so they were free from possible revenge on them.

On the contrary, Americans seem to take a different way in dealing with the tragedy. The general idea on the case spread throughout U.S. was that this was an unexpected crime committed by a psychopath. Hardly any reports from U.S. mass media focused on the nationality of the criminal. Their major concerns on the gunfire were gun ownership and mentally unstable people’s crime. For instance, one of Virginia Tech students said “It’s not important where the suspect came from. He needed help.” Perhaps an attack aimed at a Korean may happen somewhere in American in the future. But, it would be an isolated incident that does not reflect the sentiments of the broader American public.

It is human nature for Koreans, living in a country with a group-oriented culture, to feel such sympathy and concerns. But, at the same time, we should consider that our thoughts and attitudes might cause unexpected side-effects among Americans. It is time for Korean to think it in a logical manner.

1)      How did you feel for the first time when you heard this news?

2)      What do you think a prime factor of the case is?

3)      Do you think we have to apologize to Americans or sympathize with them or ignore them? Or do you have another opinion on it?

4)      Some people have expressed their condolence to Cho Seoun-hui. What do you think about it? And do you also want to do that? Why or why not?

5)      If you were a student of Virginia Tech, how would you react to the rampage? (For example, coming back to Korea, ignoring it, avoiding Americans, quitting Uni, etc.)

6)      News papers say Cho Seung-hui was so introvert. Do you think what made him be a loner? (For example, his parents, racial discrimination, innate character, etc.)

7)      What kind of countermeasures can prevent such tragedy best?

8)      A professor asked Cho Seung-hui to get a consultation after reading his essay, but he refused it. Do you think professors or teachers have a power to make their pupils see a doctor when they find out that students seem to have a problem? Why or why not? Share possible merits and demerits of each case.

9)      What is your opinion concerning early studying abroad? And which age will be best for studying abroad? What makes you think like that?

10)   Some people believe a gun can protect people from crimes, but others think having a gun possibly encourage people to commit crimes. Which ideas do you agree with? And why?

[Friend(배석우)]

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